Missing Karma releases debut
CD REVIEW
by ROBERT E. KUPCZYK Entertainment Associate Editor

Missing Karma's self-titled debut CD from 2006 is a rocking first effort from the Buffalo band.

The 13 songs recorded at Parkhaven Productions Studio in Buffalo (mixed and mastered by Joe Secchiaroli) offer riff-driven rock from the quartet of musicians, including vocalist Matt Wetter, guitarist Mike Matisz, bassist Jason Leapai and drummer John Fonagy.

Missing Karma cites as their influences a slew of bands, including 30 Seconds to Mars, Billy Talent, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Staind, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Papa Roach, Disturbed, Three Days Grace, Velvet Revolver and others.

The group's music sounds heavy with a lot of distorted guitars like the influences mentioned above. But, the distortion is balanced by clean-sounding guitar passages in many of the songs. Listeners can clearly hear Wetter's lyrics. A big plus is the CD contains song l yrics.

The CD start off on a mellow note for the first verse of "These Walls," but then breaks into a rhythmically driving song. "Where Are You Now?" begins with drummer Fonagy pounding away on his kit. The song has a catchy hook, musically and vocally. "Water" features a repetitive Metallica-like guitar lick that plays off Wetter's vocal quite effectively. "On Your Own" reminded me of Three Days Grace with its phasered guitar intro. The music in the verse of "Sick & Twisted" sounded like Our Lady Peace. Guitarist Mike Matisz concentrates more on driving the songs than playing solos, which is indicative of current music.

The CD concludes with two acoustic versions of earlier songs, "On Your Own" and "Where Are You Now?" - the latter featuring a piano solo by Leah Loefke. The "unplugged" version of "Where Are You Now?" is a nice arrangement of the song.

Missing Karma does a good job of getting its musical point across on its first CD. For upcoming shows and more information, visit www.MissingKarma.com.